IMPERIAL GUARD
Page 18
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This letter is to update your industry on developments in the pounds and ounces legal dispute—a debate which will be of interest to your readers who are interested in keeping the mile.
Many people are under the impression that, for the purposes of speed and distance signs, Britain enjoys an "indefinite exemption" from the EC's metric conversion requirements. In almost all instances, including roads, we regret to report that this is not the case. If at any future point the EC requires Britain to convert to kilometres, Britain has no right of veto over this matter.
On the issue of pounds and ounces, on 19 April a magistrate in Sunderland ruled it illegal to sell fresh foods in imperial measures. Thisjudgement is based on an interpretation of the 1972 European Communities Act which allows it to overrule other Acts of Parliament in order to implement EC directives. in other words, the ruling suggests that on joining the European Community, Parliament relinquished its supremacy to Brussels.
However, this judgement conflicts with the assurances of successive British governments that the UK remains a sovereign state. We are pleased to report, therefore, that the judgement is to be appealed and is likely to be heard in the Autumn by a bench of High Courtjudges in London. This appeal will either be by Sunderland greengrocer Steven Thoburn or another trader, We invite readers who want to save lb/oz to make donations payable to the Steven Thoburn (Metric Martyr) Defence Fund, to be sent to PO Box 526, Sunderland SF113YS. Further information on the judgement and the campaign to save pounds and ounces, the mile and the pint can be found at www.bwmaOnline.com.
Jahn Gardner, British Weights and Measures Association.